Candles, traditional and trendy, light up the holidays

Candles can help set an inviting mood for any occasion, but particularly during the winter holidays, folks seek the inexplicable allure of candlelight.

Candles add glow to the winter holidays, especially when mixed with evergreens and other natural materials. Metallic touches and unusual colors are especially "hot" this season.

"Maybe it’s the glow or the calming factor, but candles are perfect for decorating, especially during this busy time of year when everyone is either entertaining or just wants to relax," said Chonna Williams, floral designer for Corrado’s, Clifton (corradosmarket.com).

What’s Hot

Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist for Pier 1 Imports (pier1.com), said gold and silver candles - in both taper and pillar styles - are trending this season. "These metallic finishes are gorgeous alone, but are also stunning together and with other elements," she said.

Non-traditional holiday hues, such as rich jewel tones and stark black-and-white combos, also are must-haves, Beatty said. "The bold colors of the regal peacock - deep teal, citric lime - provide a modern twist on the holidays."

Candles decorated with beads and sequins, and embossed with sparkle finishes, work well not only for the holidays but also throughout the winter, Williams added.

Beatty noted that old-fashioned designs often bring a sense of child-like whimsy to decorating the home - "Sometimes the best way to enjoy a cozy Christmas is to stick with the colors and patterns of one’s childhood." Favorite choices include snowmen, reindeer, Santa and candy canes.

For a different look, try a terrarium setting - a glass-encased candle set in a larger base filled with water and fresh berries or greens. (Holiday Forest Gel candle, Pier 1, $28)

Slender tapers are always an elegant addition to the holiday table, either in single candleholders or candelabra. Tiny tea lights, set in decorative holders, can add just enough flicker to any room, Williams said.

"The candle itself doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you place it inside a lovely glass or a cute little ceramic holder, it can be quite charming anywhere in the home," she said.

Yuletide Fragrances

Comforting aromas abound this time of year, from baked goodies to natural pine and spices. Popular candle fragrances for the holidays include evergreen, cinnamon, gingerbread and bayberry. Hints of ginger, vanilla, peppermint, sugar cookie or chocolate bring back childhood holiday memories. Woody aromas of cedar, moss and evergreen evoke a winter wonderland.

Scented candles can be purchased at supermarkets, gift shops and specialty stores. Jessica Joyce, spokesperson for Bed, Bath & Beyond, said its scented line includes Yankee Candle’s Balsam and Cedar candles in different sizes ($1.49-$20.99). "The exquisite aroma will linger long after the flame has been snuffed out," she said.

Artificial Light

Flameless products have brought candles to a new level of both design and safety. The candle itself, usually a pillar, is still made of wax, but instead of a wick it features a battery-operated LED light.

"They flicker like the real thing, but they don’t get hot or melt the wax," Williams explained. Some even emit a fragrance, which adds to the appeal.

Joyce noted that the Sarah Peyton 4-Piece Flameless pillar candles feature a built-in timer that turns them on and off automatically at the time of your choosing, for up to four hours. The set retails for $19.99.

LED candles are a little more expensive - generally, a pillar runs $15 and up - but they can be used in places where you cannot put a traditional candle, such as a child’s room, atop a bookcase or in a series going down a staircase. Unlike their real counterparts, LED candles also can nestle among the branches of an evergreen tree or in a garland of greens.

"They’re very big these days, because people are being more careful, and they get the same enjoyment as from a real candle," Williams said.

Safety First

Centuries ago, candles were made from animal products, such as tallow, beeswax and whale oil. Today, manufacturers most often use paraffin, a petroleum by-product that melts more uniformly and combines easily with scents and dyes. There is concern, however, that these candles can contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing soot and particulate matter into the air.

A report by the American Chemistry Society (acs.org) maintained that using candles in an unventilated space can lead to respiratory irritation and other health issues. Candle pollution also can discolor furniture and drapery.

Most important is the risk of the candle dripping hot wax or falling over, either of which can result in fire damage. Because accidental candle fires increase dramatically during the holiday season, the National Candle Association (candles.org) urges consumers to take special care at this time.

A FEW SAFETY TIPS

* Always keep a burning candle within your sight. Never leave one unattended.* Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Be especially careful with decorations or placing candles too close to Christmas greenery or trees, which can be very flammable when dry.* Keep candles out of drafts.* Use heat-resistant holders specifically designed for candle use and big enough to collect any dripping wax, such as hurricane glass cylinders or "shades."* Never place candles directly on furniture, whether glass or wood, or directly on greenery.* Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.* Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch before lighting or re-lighting. Wicks that are too long can result in uneven burning, smoking and dripping.

Candles can help set an inviting mood for any occasion, but particularly during the winter holidays, folks seek the inexplicable allure of candlelight.

"Maybe it’s the glow or the calming factor, but candles are perfect for decorating, especially during this busy time of year when everyone is either entertaining or just wants to relax," said Chonna Williams, floral designer for Corrado’s, Clifton (corradosmarket.com).

What’s Hot

Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist for Pier 1 Imports (pier1.com), said gold and silver candles - in both taper and pillar styles - are trending this season. "These metallic finishes are gorgeous alone, but are also stunning together and with other elements," she said.

Non-traditional holiday hues, such as rich jewel tones and stark black-and-white combos, also are must-haves, Beatty said. "The bold colors of the regal peacock - deep teal, citric lime - provide a modern twist on the holidays."

Candles decorated with beads and sequins, and embossed with sparkle finishes, work well not only for the holidays but also throughout the winter, Williams added.

Beatty noted that old-fashioned designs often bring a sense of child-like whimsy to decorating the home - "Sometimes the best way to enjoy a cozy Christmas is to stick with the colors and patterns of one’s childhood." Favorite choices include snowmen, reindeer, Santa and candy canes.

For a different look, try a terrarium setting - a glass-encased candle set in a larger base filled with water and fresh berries or greens. (Holiday Forest Gel candle, Pier 1, $28)

Slender tapers are always an elegant addition to the holiday table, either in single candleholders or candelabra. Tiny tea lights, set in decorative holders, can add just enough flicker to any room, Williams said.

"The candle itself doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you place it inside a lovely glass or a cute little ceramic holder, it can be quite charming anywhere in the home," she said.

Yuletide Fragrances

Comforting aromas abound this time of year, from baked goodies to natural pine and spices. Popular candle fragrances for the holidays include evergreen, cinnamon, gingerbread and bayberry. Hints of ginger, vanilla, peppermint, sugar cookie or chocolate bring back childhood holiday memories. Woody aromas of cedar, moss and evergreen evoke a winter wonderland.

Scented candles can be purchased at supermarkets, gift shops and specialty stores. Jessica Joyce, spokesperson for Bed, Bath & Beyond, said its scented line includes Yankee Candle’s Balsam and Cedar candles in different sizes ($1.49-$20.99). "The exquisite aroma will linger long after the flame has been snuffed out," she said.

Artificial Light

Flameless products have brought candles to a new level of both design and safety. The candle itself, usually a pillar, is still made of wax, but instead of a wick it features a battery-operated LED light.

"They flicker like the real thing, but they don’t get hot or melt the wax," Williams explained. Some even emit a fragrance, which adds to the appeal.

Joyce noted that the Sarah Peyton 4-Piece Flameless pillar candles feature a built-in timer that turns them on and off automatically at the time of your choosing, for up to four hours. The set retails for $19.99.

LED candles are a little more expensive - generally, a pillar runs $15 and up - but they can be used in places where you cannot put a traditional candle, such as a child’s room, atop a bookcase or in a series going down a staircase. Unlike their real counterparts, LED candles also can nestle among the branches of an evergreen tree or in a garland of greens.

"They’re very big these days, because people are being more careful, and they get the same enjoyment as from a real candle," Williams said.

Safety First

Centuries ago, candles were made from animal products, such as tallow, beeswax and whale oil. Today, manufacturers most often use paraffin, a petroleum by-product that melts more uniformly and combines easily with scents and dyes. There is concern, however, that these candles can contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing soot and particulate matter into the air.